Gold(III) complexes in medicinal chemistry
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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Luminophore Formation in Various Conformations of Bovine Serum Albumin by Binding of GoldIII
Published on: August 31, 2018
Pedro Ivo da Silva Maia1, Victor M Deflon, Ulrich Abram
1Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Instituto de Ciências Exatas Naturais e Educação, Av. Dr. Randolfo Borges Júnior, 1400, Univerdecidade, 38064-200 Uberaba, MG, Brazil.
Abstract:
A number of gold(III) compounds has been designed with the objective of overcoming the disadvantages associated with the platinum-based drugs for cancer treatment. Compounds of a remarkable structural manifold show significant antiproliferative effects in vitro against a number of cancer cells, including cisplatin resistant ones. The target of most of them is, unlike that of cisplatin, not the DNA. Although the mechanisms of action displayed by the gold compounds in biological media are still under investigation, many studies show evidence that the cellular targets are mitochondria-based. Recent advances in gold(III) medicinal chemistry also recommend such compounds for other pharmacological applications such as the treatment of viral or parasitic diseases. The radioactive isotopes (198)Au and (199)Au present potential in radiotherapy.
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